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Nigerian-born Ikpeazu saves Uganda, sets up decisive showdown with Super Eagles
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Nigerian heritage took centre stage in Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday as Nigerian-born striker Uche Ikpeazu struck late to earn Uganda a 1–1 draw against Tanzania — a result that has now thrown Nigeria firmly into the qualification picture.
Ikpeazu, born to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother, came off the bench to head home the equaliser and secure the Cranes’ first point of the tournament in Morocco. The outcome leaves both Uganda and Tanzania requiring victories on the final matchday, with Uganda preparing for a decisive encounter against Nigeria.
The result also extended Tanzania’s winless run. The Taifa Stars had appeared on course for a vital victory after Simon Msuva converted a penalty shortly after the hour mark. The spot kick was awarded following a handball by Uganda midfielder Baba Alhassan, and Msuva sent his effort into the top corner beyond veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who was making his first start of the tournament.
Uganda, however, refused to surrender. Playing with increased urgency as heavy rain began to fall, the Cranes pressed forward and were rewarded when Ikpeazu rose highest to meet a Denis Omedi cross, powering a header past Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba to restore parity.
The closing moments nearly swung the contest fully in Uganda’s favour. Substitute James Bogere was brought down in the penalty area, earning a second spot kick, but Allan Okello blazed his effort over the crossbar, much to Tanzania’s relief, ensuring the points were shared. Tanzania almost snatched a late winner moments later, but Onyango’s scare ended with the final effort drifting narrowly wide.
For Nigeria, the draw raises the stakes considerably. With Uganda buoyed by Ikpeazu’s impact and Tanzania still in contention, Group C remains wide open. The Super Eagles will face Uganda in a must-win clash on Tuesday, knowing that victory would not only secure qualification but also extinguish the hopes of a side inspired by a striker with Nigerian roots.
Tanzania, meanwhile, must defeat Tunisia to keep their own Round of 16 ambitions alive, setting up a tense final day in a group where Nigerian influence has already proven decisive.
Egypt have become the second African country to qualify for the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
The Pharoahs beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Emam Ashour opened the scoring in the first half, before Mohamed Hany’s own goal levelled the game in the 55th minute.
It’s a first ever World Cup knockout win for Egypt and they will face either Argentina or Cape Verde next.
Morocco were the first African team to progress into the Round of 16 and they will take on co-hosts Canada.
Six countries from the continent have already been eliminated.
FIFA is considering switching the 2026 World Cup last-16 match between co-hosts Mexico and Egypt to a 7pm BST kick-off time on Sunday, due to thunderstorms in Mexico City.
The game, which will be played at the Azteca Stadium, was initially scheduled to start 6pm local time on Sunday (1am BST on Monday).
Latin America broadcaster Claro Sports reports that due to forecasts of heavy thunderstorms and rain in the area, the match has been moved to an earlier time.
Andres Vaca, a commentator for Mexico’s official World Cup broadcaster TUDN, has also announced that the kick-off time for Mexico vs England has moved to the earlier time.
FIFA has yet to officially confirm the switch.
Former Liverpool F.C. manager Jürgen Klopp is set to become the new head coach of the Germany national football team after indicating his willingness to take over following the departure of Julian Nagelsmann.
The German Football Association confirmed on Friday that it has begun the process of appointing a new coach after parting ways with Nagelsmann in the aftermath of Germany’s disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The federation said discussions with Klopp would commence after he signalled his readiness in principle to accept the role.
In a statement, the DFB said it would now seek talks with Klopp regarding the vacant position following Nagelsmann’s departure.
Nagelsmann stepped down after Germany’s shock elimination by Paraguay in the Round of 32, bringing an end to his tenure as national team coach. The decision followed discussions with DFB officials after the team’s early World Cup exit.
Klopp has been out of frontline coaching since leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season after nearly nine years in charge, during which he guided the club to both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles.
The 59-year-old is currently serving as Red Bull’s Head of Global Football. However, reports indicate that he has a verbal agreement that would allow him to leave the role should he accept the opportunity to coach Germany.
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